Diversity: A Business Imperative

1. Diversity: A Business Imperative

2. Chapter Objectives • Define diversity and explain its importance in the emerging economy. • Understand what internal factors contribute to conflict in diverse environments. • Recognize linguistic styles and how they affect interactions in a diverse workplace. • Know how to thrive in a diverse environment.

3. Definition of Diversity • Diversity refers to differences. The sum of our individual differences affects how we view others and how others view us.

4. Dimensions of Diversity Race  Ethnicity Sex Sexual Orientation Personal Experiences  Religious Beliefs  Education Physical  Abilities Age Upbringing Parental Status Income Occupation Marital Status Geographic Location Military Experience

5. Benefits of Diversity A diverse workforce • Is a competitive necessity. • Helps a business create new and more innovative products. • Better meets the needs of diverse customers and clients. • Will be an increasingly important source of labor.

6. Changing Makeup of the Workforce • Women • Older Workers • Race and Ethnicity • Workers with Disabilities • Gays and Lesbians

7. Women • Women now make up approximately half of the workforce and more than half of college enrollments. • More women than men hold professional and managerial positions. • Approximately 60% of all married women with children under the age of 6 are working. • Women are having an impact on the types of benefits and working conditions offered by employers.

8. Older Workers • By 2010, 17% of the nation’s workforce will be comprised of adults ages 55 and older. • An AARP survey found that 85% of Americans surveyed between the ages of 50 and 70 had never retired; while 15% had retired but remained in or returned to work. • Most of those surveyed envisioned themselves working into their 70s and beyond. • Older workers are staying in the workforce longer for money, enjoyment, and activity.

9. Race and Ethnicity • The workforce is becoming increasingly diverse racially and ethnically. • By 2012, Hispanic or Latino people will be the largest minority population in the workforce, with 23.8 million. • The U.S. can expect one million immigrants annually in the next decade. • Immigrant groups bring cultural values, ways of communication, and behavior patterns that affect communication in the workplace.

10. Workers with Disabilities • There are approximately 16 million Americans of working age who have disabilities. • Of those 16 million, 60-70% of them are unemployed or underemployed. • Experts believe workers with disabilities will increasingly be able to fill the labor shortage that is expected in 2010.

11. Gays and Lesbians • The gay and lesbian population in the U.S. is between 1 and 10% of the total population. • Many companies are including gays and lesbians in their diversity initiatives. • 92 of the Fortune 100 companies ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, and nearly 2/3 of them offer health benefits to same-sex partners.

12. Internal Factors that Lead to Conflict • Bias—a preference for or against an individual or group that interferes with impartial judgment • Prejudice—making a decision about a person or group of people without sufficient knowledge • Stereotype—a fixed or distorted generalization about members of a particular group

13. Internal Factors that Lead to Conflict • Values—things that are important to use that evolve from influences of family, society, religion, and personal experiences • Value Systems—a road map for our behavior in a variety of situations

14. Linguistic Styles that Affect Interactions • Characteristic speaking styles • Directness or indirectness • Pacing and pausing • Word choice • Use of jokes, figures of speech, stories, questions, and apologies

15. Communication Styles • Direct communication style—reflects a goal orientation and a desire to get down to business and get to the point • Indirect communication style—reflects a focus on the relationship and is used to develop a rapport before getting down to business

16. Communication Styles • To prevent communication styles from being a source of conflict • Concentrate on the message and clarifying understanding rather than the way it is delivered. • Adapt your style to match others if needed.

17. Low Context Mode • Low Context Groups • Value the written or spoken word. • Are task oriented and results driven. • Generally use a direct linguistic style. • In low context situations, knowledge is more transferable and available to the public.

18. High Context Mode • High Context Groups • Are difficult to penetrate. • Value long-term relationships and use less verbally explicit communication. • Have strong boundaries defining who is accepted and who is considered an outsider. • Decisions and activities focus on face-to-face relationships and often around one person or small group who has authority.

19. Conversational Rituals • Conversational rituals are things we say without considering the literal meaning of our words. • Problems can occur if others do not understand conversational rituals and take them literally.

20. Thriving in a Diverse Environment • Develop empathy and sensitivity to the needs of others. • Use positive self-talk and avoid negativity. • Practice the Pygmalion effect (you get what you expect). • Communicate dignity and respect. • Expect ambiguity; be flexible and understanding. • Be inclusive in your language and actions. • Understand work style differences.

21. Work Style Differences • Monochronic work style—do one thing at a time and follow plans closely • Polychronic work style—do many things at once, change plans easily, and tolerate interruptions • Respect work style differences. Concentrate on meeting goals rather than on how tasks are completed.

22. Key Terms • Diversity • Baby boomers • Bias • Prejudice • Stereotypes • Values • Value systems • Linguistic styles • Direct communication style • Indirect communication style

23. Key Terms • Low context group • High context group • Conversational rituals • Empathy • Pygmalion effect • Monochronic work style • Polychronic work style